The following topics were discussed during a council meeting on October 1, 2019.

Street lighting

Administration presented council with options regarding the streetlights that have not been working along the south side of 20th Avenue in Blairmore from approximately 125th Street to 135th Street. Upon investigation, it was found that these lights ran at a lot higher voltage than standard lights and would require complete replacement of the heads along with the wiring between the lights themselves. When the designers were looking at this project, they asked if the Municipality would like to upgrade these lights to meet IESNA guidelines for illumination. Administration indicated that they would be interested in the costs to consider a rebuild.

We have now received the cost estimate and the Municipalities portion to upgrade the lighting to proper standards is approximately $32,000. This would result in the addition of four new lights along with the relocation of most of the lights along this section. The Municipality portion is towards the new lights only and since Fortis needs to rebuild this section anyways, there are no costs to relocate the lights.

The result of this work will be that the lighting pattern will meet IESNA guidelines and all these heads will be upgraded to LED. The biggest difference will be that the intersections will now be properly illuminated, thereby improving the safety for motorists and pedestrians.

Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion that council approves the expenditure of the approximate cost of $32,000 for the additional lights from reserves and the motion was carried.

IDP’s

Two bylaws regarding Intermunicipal Development Plan’s for both the MD of Pincher Creek and MD of Ranchland were brought before council for second and third reading.

Under the Modernized MGA, all municipalities need to have an IDP with their neighbors. We have until the spring of 2021 to have this process finalized. Administration recommended that Council approve second and third reading for both IDP’s.

When put to a vote, the IDP with the MD of Pincher Creek had both second and third reading passed with opposition from Councillor Filipuzzi and Mayor Painter.

Second and third reading of the IDP with the MD of Ranchland was not passed as Councillor Filipuzzi, Councillor Sygutek and Mayor Painter all voted against. The reasoning for this was the MD of Ranchland’s lack of willingness to cooperate.

Wolfstone Subdivision

Council discussed possible ways to move forward with the Wolfstone Subdivision. Council discussed how to complete certain construction required to provide certain necessities to allow property owners to build on their land. A motion was made by Councillor Sygutek to start an engineering report on the cost estimate and alternatives for completion and to let property owners be aware that we are moving forward. The motion was carried.

Alberta Municipal Affairs – Disaster Recovery Program 2013 Municipal Payment Summary

The report shows that the municipality will be rewarded with a payment of $1,284,275.72 from the 2013 Disaster Recovery Program. Councillor Glavin made a motion to accept the Disaster Recovery Program 2013 Municipal Payment Summary. The motion was carried.

Dust Monitoring Stations

Mayor Painter brought forth the idea of having the municipality looks into the cost and what goes along with having their own dust monitoring stations installed.

Mayor Painter stated it would be prudent and show due diligence on the council’s part if they were to install their own dust monitoring stations in order to not just rely on another party’s information.

After some discussion with council, it was decided that Mayor Painter would discuss the municipality’s options with the Mayor of Sparwood as Sparwood is doing similar monitoring.

A motion was made to have Mayor Painter discuss the options for the Crowsnest Pass with the Mayor of Sparwood as they are currently doing similar monitoring. The motion was carried.

Recycling Update

Council also touched on recycling during their meeting.

Council was informed by administration that a notice has gone out publicly as well as in utility bills yesterday to advise people of the change. Administration also said that residents will still see the charge on this bill but it will be removed on their next bill. Administration also mentioned it's understood that this situation is a bigger issue than just the local municipality.

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